Page 31 of The Incubus's Angel
“You can pick your own spot,” Arran says decisively to the entire group.
And then we’re lining up.
Arran goes first to show us how it’s done, making the log flip end over end before landing precisely on the target we drew in the soft sand.
Bodin comes close.
Beck hits the target.
Viggo is not too far off.
Aurelius’s attempt is not talked about.
When it’s my turn, I wipe my sweaty palms on my pants before lifting the heavy log. If this was a week ago, I most likely wouldn’t have been able to lift this weight. But thanks to Maisie, I’m standing here with a fucking big tree trunk in my hands that I’m about to toss across the beach. I don’t even care about accuracy, only throwing the thing as far as I can.
I bend my knees, then follow Arran’s instructions and toss the damn thing.
It passes the marker and lands about ten yards behind it. I’m still staring at it when the guys break into rumbustious cheering. They gather around me and hug me, jumping up and down like I have just won some prize even if I didn’t hit the target. And my heart soars at the camaraderie, feeling like I’ve won some kind of grand prize.
We celebrate. Open more beers. Get rowdy.
The log gets thrown again. Then a bigger log is found and thrown too. I’m having so much fun I don’t even recognize myself. It’s absolutely exhilarating. It’sliberating.
When the beer has run out and we’re finally winding down, I look around the group. “Thank you for a very memorable night. I almost didn’t come out, but I’m really glad I did.”
Beck’s smile is relaxed and broad and toothy. “Me too. I was just going to stay home, like always, but this was… fun. I like fun. I think I want to try to have fun more often.”
Bodin’s head bobs in agreement. “We should make this a regular gathering. What do you guys say? A monthly meeting of sorts?”
“Yes!” Viggo exclaims from right next to me, raising his hand for a high five, which I begrudgingly return. The pure joy and appreciation on his face make the awkward gesture worth it.
“Let’s maybe coordinate snacks next time?” Aurelius suggests. “I’m not complaining, but oysters and tangerines and beers… They’re making my tummy feel kind of funny.”
Boisterous laughter bursts into the air, but no one disagrees. With high spirits, we clean up our little party, and Aurelius pouts as we put the fire out.
“Thanks, everyone,” Bodin says, giving us each a nod of appreciation. “I’m heading into town to see if my wife needs any assistance getting home. I’m sure she’s been enjoying herself tonight and I’m not confident that she can make it down from The Singing Seahorse safely with her track record. Tilly has this unique ability to trip on a blade of grass, not to mention her personal struggle with doorjambs jumping into her way.”
Before I can control my mouth, I say, “I’ll walk with you. I have to check on… something that, uhm, is around there too.”
Bodin narrows his eyes at me for a second but doesn’t question me, just tilts his head in the direction of town. He allows me to walk in silence for a little while, then says, “Something in town catch your eye? Or someone?”
I try my best to fight off the blush that’s threatening to warm my ears. “It’s, uhm…”
“You don’t have to tell me anything. I was just kidding,” Bodin says quickly.
Coiling my tail tightly around my leg, I search for the right words to explain what’s happening with Maisie. Bodin’s been a good friend to me and I want to tell him, but I don’t want to give away too much either. It’s almost like Maisie and I are in this sacred bubble and I don’t want to risk popping it.
“No, it’s not that. I just… I, uhm… I don’t know if there’s anything to tell. Yet. But I’m hoping maybe there, uhm, can be?”
Bodin clasps my shoulder, his support seeping into me. “Well, I’m not sure what’s going on, but what I do know is that you look different. You look happy. So whatever is happening in your life that’s got you smiling like this, don’t be an idiot and fuck it up. Don’t let her slip through your fingers.”
“I’m going to try my best not to.”
Chapter 13
Maisie
Panting, I flop onto the chair next to Tilly’s, Marisol sliding a glass of water toward me from the other side of the bar.
